SUFFOLK COUNTY K–9 OFFICER RECEIVES HONORABLE SERVICE AWARD AT 16TH ANNUAL “CORRECTIONAL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR CEREMONY”

Honorable Service Award recipient Deputy Julie Wilder and her K–9 partner “Luka” (center) stand with presenter and Suffolk County
Sheriff’s Department Superintendent In–Chief Michael Harris and members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department following the 16th Annual
Correctional Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House.

Suffolk County Deputy Julie Wilder and her K–9 partner “Luka” were recently given the Honorable
Service Award at the 16th Annual Correctional Employee of the Year Awards Ceremony at the Massachusetts State House.
The award, which was presented by Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Superintendent–in–Chief Michael
Harris, honors Julie and Luka for their exemplary work in corrections.

In April of 2012, Deputy Wilder and K–9 Luka assisted the Boston Police Department in detecting 10 kilos of cocaine
that were concealed in a hidden compartment of a motor vehicle. For this celebrated feat, Deputy Wilder and Luka were chosen
to be recipients of the Honorable Service award.

Undersecretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Sandra McCroom, who introduced the award presentations,
emphasized the significance of the K–9 Unit and more specifically, the work of Officer Wilder and Luka.

“These dogs and their handlers are highly trained,” said Undersecretary McCroom. “Luka was donated to the
Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department at two years old. She’s eleven years old now and heading for retirement. Officer
Wilder and Luka both completed 192 hours of training in Boston K–9 narcotics courses and were certified. If not for their
efforts, these drugs would not have been found.”

After Superintendent–in–Chief Harris presented Officer Wilder with her medal of honor, Officer Wilder then presented
a medal to her partner, Luka.

Following the awards ceremony, Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins expressed his gratitude for the work Officer Wilder and
Luka have done.

“I’m proud to have one of our officers be recognized for the exemplary work that they’ve done,” said Sheriff
Tompkins. “Our officers work hard with no thought to reward or recognition, even though they deserve it. Officer Wilder is a great
example and her achievement is a fine illustration of the work that we do here at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department.”